GUILTY PLEASURE::GOOP

OK, so, there’s been a lot of bad press following actress Gwyneth Paltrow’s website, GOOP. And not just because the tagline is "nourish the inner aspect".

But we’re here to defend the site in all its self-indulgent glory because it’s different, and Platform is all about different. However, we’re fully aware that this might cause some major eye rolling and possible gagging. Therefore, we have compiled a list of pros and cons that will shed some light on Hollywood's snootiest blonde’s newest venture. Here it goes!

Pros:

1) Admit it, the girl knows how to market her brand. Well, at least others do. She enlisted CEO Peter Arnell, of Arnell Group, to cleverly market a site about her own fabulousity.

2) She exposed Platform to wisdom from people we wish we actually knew. Like Zen Master Dennis Genpo Merzel, who supplies readers with keen insight on frenemies.

3) She shares exercise tips from “the cutest, most motivated, most genius trainer on earth”, her trainer, Tracy Anderson, who can apparently make Olympic men cry with 3lb weights.Yea! Sign me up, Gwenny!

Cons:

1) No one is recession-proof right now -- except Gwenyth Paltrow. It’s sweet that G.P. wants to share her favorite finds in multiple cities that she travels to, but honey child, not everyone can afford lavish dinners at the restaurants you recommend. Maybe in moderation, though…

2) She’s bosom-buddies with chef, Mario Batali, who she occasionally cooks with. But, she too, admits to being “a lucky f***er!”

3) She shares exercise tips from “the cutest, most motivated, most genius trainer on earth”, her trainer, Tracy Anderson, who can apparently make Olympic men cry with 3lb weights. Exactly.

Kidding aside, we’re totally guilty of liking Goop, because in reality it’s sort of like hiding under a pretty umbrella on a really nasty rainy day. And we all need an umbrella with the tragedies surrounding us these days: economic pit of doom, Swine Flu, North Korea missile threats…

With that said, we'd like to thank Gwenyth. Thanks for encouraging us to work on ourselves. Now I’m ready to Make, Go, Get, Do, Be, and See.



VISIT::GOOP

PEACHES "MORE"

Ah, this is why we adore Peaches. Her unapologetic curly Mohawk and flamboyant costumes in this video would put Liberachi to shame.

OFFICIAL SITE::PEACHES

BERNHARD WILHELM DESIGNS FOR GERMAN EYEWEAR MAKER

Do you think these Bernhard Wilhelm shades can take on Wayfarer-like status? We hope so. Because as much as we’ve obligingly jumped at the chance of entering a Bob Dylan lookalike contest with our Ray Bans, we’re ready to progress with the times and get a new pair of quirky-shaped shades. You decide.

OFFICIAL SITE::MYKITA

BIKE MONTH NYC 2009

There’s no better way to get a strenuous cardio workout than bicycling. It’s even better when your workout is back dropped by New York cityscape and knowing that you’re not emitting extra hazardous exhaust into our already dwindling environment.

Enter: Bike Month NYC. The month will include dozens of activities like commuter races, ride your bike to work week, workshops on bike maintenance, even a Tour De Brooklyn. So, break out the wedgie-inducing biker shorts and start peddling, people!


A valet for bikes. How progressive.

MORE INFO::BIKE MONTH NYC

PLATFORM REMINDER::BROOKLYN FOOD CONFERENCE SATURDAY, MAY 1ST

Local farming and food sustainability is one of the most relevant topics of discussion nowadays. But if you feel like you're still in dire need of completely understanding what the heck that even means, then I highly suggest attending the Brooklyn Food Conference, to be held this Saturday, May 1st. Panel discussions and a full-day event lineup will give participants a better understanding as to how and why we should move forward with this crucial food revolution.

COST::FREE

MORE INFO::BROOKLYN FOOD CONFERENCE

LYKKE LI "HUSTLIN"

Here is the petite songstress, Lykke Li performing her rendition of "Hustlin".

Thanks to CCC for heads up.

OFFICIAL SITE::LYKKE LI

THE LAST METRO DIRECTED BY FRANCOIS TRUFFAUT

Criterion Collection releases The Last Metro directed by film extraordinaire, François Truffaut.

"Gérard Depardieu and Catherine Deneuve star as members of a French theater company living under the German occupation during World War II in François Truffaut’s gripping, humanist character study. Against all odds—a Jewish theater manager in hiding; a leading man who’s in the Resistance; increasingly restrictive Nazi oversight—the troupe believes the show must go on. Equal parts romance, historical tragedy, and even comedy, The Last Metro (Le dernier métro) is Truffaut’s ultimate tribute to art overcoming adversity."

BUY::THE LAST METRO $39.95

HEDI SLIMANE MODEL SCOUT PHOTOS OF COACHELLA NOW UP

Former Dior Homme designer and constant youth observer-slash-photographer, Hedi Slimane attended Coachella this year with his camera in tow. And now, he's finally revealed what we've all been waiting for: a plethora of prepubescent looking teens (who are actually twenty somethings) blissfully lounging while looking completely disenchanted with everything going on around them.

VIEW::HEDI SLIMANE COACHELLA PHOTO DIARY

WHITE WILLIAMS PERFORMS TO BENEFIT FILMMAKER RORY O'SULLIVAN

White Williams will perform alongside the Fugs, Acrylics, Golden Triangle, Mount Olympus, all to benefit aspiring young filmmaker Rory O'Sullivan who is recovering from having a brain tumor removed.

The show will be on April 29 in NYC.

MORE INFO::BOXERBABE

PLATFORM SALE RACK

4/30–5/2 The first-ever Spurr sample sale features men's denim, shirts, suits, and knitwear for up to 65 percent off retail prices. Starworks, 5 Crosby St., nr. Grand St., Ste. 3D (646-336-5920); Th, F (noon–7), S, Su (noon–5).

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL GOING THROUGH MAY 2ND (NEW YORK)

Tribeca Film Festival officially started Tuesday and will last through May 3rd, and this year the festival includes dozens upon dozens of newcomers, established filmmakers, and participants, all watching and discussing the screened films. It's an overload of films to watch with ranging plot lines that fit into a broad scope of genres, even including sci-fi romantic comedic called TiMER, about a simply and delightfully love-starved orthodonist Oona, who's looking for her true love before she hits that dreaded age of female obsolescence: thirty. That is funny.

OFFICIAL SITE::TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

GRANOLA IS THE CUPCAKE OF '09

Two weeks ago, Brooklyn Flea founder, Eric Demby declared that granola would be this year's cupcake. Like most New Yorkers, we are very proud of our cupcake place. Now, granola will possibly take the place of the not so diet friendly rival. To get you ready for the transition, here are some Platform granola favorites to get you started.

THE GOODS::
Baked! Granola Trio $24/set of three available at Dean & Deluca
Artisan Ambrosial Granola 8124 7th Ave, Brooklyn
Granola Jo, Supremely Nut Granola $5.99 (1) 12oz. bag

READ::EDVARD KOINBERG'S HERBARIUM AMORIS FLORAL ROMANCE

When Swedish botanist and physician Carl Linnaeus developed the notion that plants have genitalia in the 1700s, it sent the world of botany into a tizzy. The idea that plants can be sexualized the way Linnaeus had suggested provoked a 'sexual revolution' in plant taxonomy. And now, in this Taschen released book, photographer Edvard Koinberg compiles a visual calendar that charts the development of this theory shown through images of various luminous flowers.



BUY::FLORAL ROMANCE $39.99

PLATFORM SALE RACK

4/23–4/25 Tops by Mara Hoffman start at $15, while dresses start at $30. Also find deals on her resort, spring, and swim collections. 120 W. 28th St., nr. Sixth Ave., third fl. (212-505-3020); Th, F (10–7), S (11–6).

FASHION::SNEAK PEEK AT PRADA LUGGAGE COLLECTION

Move over Alexander McQueen, Prada is in the midst of releasing an entire collection of travel gear for the jet-setting high roller. Here is just a small look at what they'll have to offer, although we're not sure just when we can put our hands on these colorful goodies.

MORE INFO::PRADA

This requires mystery.

WE MAKE IT GOOD, HOSTED BY THE FADER

Check back for updates on WMIG!

MV::LYNN FOX DIRECTS THE ALIENS "MAGIC MAN"

Director Lynn Fox of Blink Productions takes back time in this video for Scottish band, The Aliens, for their track "Magic Man".

ARTIST::THE ALIENS
TRACK::MAGIC MAN
DIRECTOR::LYNN FOX
PROD.CO::BLINK, LONDON

FASHION::DIET BUTCHER SLIM SKIN 'STRANGE BIRDS' A/W 2009

Designers are always looking for inventive ways to keep observers enthralled with their lines. And one way to do so is by setting up a collection as an art exhibition, the way Diet Butcher Slim Skin did with their 'Strange Birds' installation for their AW 09 collection.
The line includes biker-inspired pieces topped off with bird heads. Yes, bird heads.
But, thankfully for them, the duds are equally eye catching as the headgear.

OFFICIAL SITE::METALBURGER

MUSIC::YEAH YEAH YEAHS COVER ANIMAL COLLECTIVE'S "ZERO"

It's all in the song.

RELATED::YEAH YEAH YEAHS COVER OF "ZERO"

PLATFORM SALE RACK

4/22–4/24 Sigerson Morrison boots are $250, while shoes are $135. Also stop by for deals on Me&Ro jewelry as well as Zero + Maria Cornejo. Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 W. 18th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; W (10:30–7), Th (8–7:30), F (8–3).

PLATFORM ALERT::MAKE YOUR DIFFERENCE ON EARTH DAY

We can all take little steps to help out this Earth Day. Whether its changing to energy saving light bulbs or unplugging all the appliances in your home, each thing we do, if done together, will have a dramatic affect on the future of Global Warming.

Want to help out? Check out Earth Day Network after the jump!

FASHION/LOCAL::OPENING CEREMONY LAUNCHES ONLINE SHOPPING SITE

It's finally here. As though going into an Opening Ceremony store couldn't be tempting enough, now you can finally shop in the comfort of your home. There goes your savings!

SHOP::OPENING CEREMONY

AD/FASHION::CHRIS CUNNINGHAM DIRECTS COMMERCIAL FOR GUCCI'S FLORA

Director, Chris Cunningham teamed up with Gucci to create a spectacular visual ad to match Gucci's Flora fragrance.

Riccardo Ruini who developed the concept for the commercial with designer Frida Giannini and Cunningham, explains the evolution of the film: (courtesy of DazedDigital)

“Foremost in our minds was a desire to avoid the heroine being perceived as passive or dreamy. We wanted to portray the female as an active character who brings to life in an active way the Flora personality by controlling the nature around her. We also felt it was important to demonstrate a movement of the female from mademoiselle to empowered woman; a woman initially delicate and feminine transforming into someone stronger and more powerful. “

A Cunningham remix of Donna Summer’s disco classic "I Feel Love" accompanies the ad flawlessly.

VIEW THE AD::GUCCI'S FLORA

PLATFORM SONG OF THE WEEK::AMADOU & MARIAM "SABALI"

**Platform Song of the Week is located at (almost) top-right corner.

I fell for Amadou & Mariam almost two years ago. Since, I've followed their development closely and listened to their tracks almost obsessively. And their new album,Welcome to Mali, only propels my sincere love for the African natives' music. This week, listen to their track "Sabali" that will surely get you swaying from side to side, eyes closed and all.

OFFICIAL SITE::AMADOU & MARIAM

LOCAL::BROOKLYN FOOD CONFERENCE

A must-attend event featuring workshops approaching issues as diverse as Policy, Economic Development, Access, Health, Sustainability, and Organizing, the massive conference expects nearly 2,000 attendees. Five main co-sponsors, Caribbean Women’s Health Association, Brooklyn Rescue Mission, World Hunger Year, Brooklyn’s Bounty and the PSFC, and over 120 partner groups, have jumped on board for the inaugural event.

VISIT::BROOKLYN FOOD CONFERENCE

MEDIA::WOODY ALLEN VS. AMERICAN APPAREL OWNER DOV CHARNEY

Look! They both wear glasses. They must have a lot in common.

Actor-director Woody Allen filed a lawsuit against American Apparel owner-slash-creepazoid, Dov Charney, for using an image of him without his consent. The image was a still taken from Allen's Oscar-winning film, Annie Hall, and showed him dressed as a Hasidic Jew with a long beard and black hat and Yiddish text with the words "American Apparel" on a billboard in L.A.

Now, as the early stages of the case take place, Allen has complained that Charney and his lawyers are asking for too much personal information, including court records pertaining to his seperation from ex-wife Mia Farrow who accused Allen of sexual relations with their adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn, whom Allen married years later.

Allen has stated that the American Apparel ads "have a sleazy quality to them" and were "not classy," therefore, he would never choose to voluntarily endorse their product no matter how much money was involved. But to add more fuel to the fire, Charney's camp is out to intimidate Allen by delving into his sexual past. Ding, ding! Round three?

RELATED::HUFFINGTON POST, Woody Allen's Sex Life SLAMMED By American Apparel

PLATFORM SALE RACK (NEW YORK)

Through 4/17 Basics by agnès b. are up to 70 percent off. 250 W. 39th St., nr. Seventh Ave. (212-719-0001, ext. 11); daily (10–7). (pictured above)

4/14–4/15 New spring inventory for men and women is up to 80 percent off at the Hugo Boss showroom. 601 W. 26th St., nr. Eleventh Ave., eighth fl., Ste. 845 (212-940-0800); 9–5.

Through 4/19 The vintage store Sweet Tater is shutting down. Stop in for vintage clothing, accessories, and shoes for $5 to $50. Their house line is priced from $20 to $50 as well. 280 Mulberry St., nr. Prince St. (212-219-6400); T–Su (noon–7), M (closed).

FILM::MICHEL GONDRY WILL DRAW YOU FOR $19.95

You know times are tough when directors start taking on odd jobs like sketching people for money. Kind of like the pushy guys in Central Park that haggle you to sit on uncomfortable iron chairs while they sketch a really unkind version of you. But don't count film director, Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) to be part of that bunch just yet. While his sketches are cheap and definitely stray from the director-style norm, Gondry is also promoting his new DVD today, featuring 3 hours of footage with artists like Paul McCartney, Beck, the White Stripes and Radiohead. I wonder if his sketches will include lots of money signs and over-the-top grins.

YOU KNOW YOU WANT ONE::MICHEL GONDRY

FASHION/OP::"IS ONE SLEEVE BETTER THAN TWO?"

Style.com recently polled the question, "Is one sleeve better than two?," which was brought to our attention after various designers incorporated one-sleeved getups for Spring, Summer, and Fall collections. It sort of reminds us of the film Mean Girls when Regina George tells Gretchen Wieners "stop trying to make fetch happen" a word Gretchen hopes will catch on because of her popularity. Designers are sort of like Gretchen Wieners, testing their influence to see how easily we'll follow their trends.

On the other hand, “It’s a bit playful,” Henry Holland said of the style. “A strong shoulder on the other side balances it out.” OK, OK. I'm on board.

VIEW SLIDESHOW::IS ONE SLEEVE BETTER THAN TWO?

FASHION::SUPERMODEL KAREN ELSON ON HER VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE

It's a wise move when supermodels try their hand at an alternative career, as a steady modeling career can sometimes fizzle with the unavoidable process of that thing we call aging.

Supermodel and redheaded bombshell, Karen Elson, made the move quick and early even though her modeling career has not reached a halt. Elson has opted for the low-key route when it came to devoting time to her passion for vintage collecting, setting up shop in Nashville, Tennesse, where she lives with her rocker husband, Jack White of The White Stripes fame, and their two daughters.

In a recent Blackbook article, Elson, along with her business partner Amy Patterson, talk about great finds and where her vintage passion all stems from.

READ::SUPERMODEL KAREN ELSON AND AMY PATTERSON, VINTAGE CHIC FREAKS

MUSIC::IT'S NOT JUST GOOD FRIDAY

Today is also the day Paul McCartney announced he would leave The Beatles, back in 1970.

MEDIA/AD::HOW THE MEDIA AND CARL'S JR. REACHES OUT TO WOMEN

Platform is a big fan of Current commentator, Sarah Haskins. In this video, Haskins observes how the misogynistic advertising campaign behind the fast food franchise, Carl's Jr., advertises to women -- or, rather, detracts them.

FASHION::NYTIMES PROVIDES TUTORIAL ON HOW TO WEAR TOPSHOP CLOTHING

NYTimes Style Section has provided Topshop buyers with a back-story on how to wear and dress in Topshop clothing, because as adults, we don’t know how to dress ourselves. But don’t jump to conclusions just yet. There is, in fact, an entire science to wearing Topshop clothing, which is why the shop that originated in the UK flew over eight style advisors for the New York store opening.

Their style advice is contemporary as is their lingo, like acid washing, distressed, and often making visual references to celebrities known for buying giant cups of Starbucks. They like to consider themselves as style motivators, encouraging buyers who wouldn’t dare wear anything sequined to venture over into the world of fringed vests. For shoppers familiar with the Topshop line, know that it’s overly trendy. It’s sort of like a higher end Forever 21, which is good because the clothes won’t fall to apart after a wash or two. So, it makes sense that if you’re going to make an investment, you might as well seek the help from the stylistas who have studied the clothing line intricately. The only fear is that you'll run into someone wearing the same stylized outfit on the street. There goes individuality.

READ::TRUST ME. YOU'LL LOOK COOL IN THIS.

FASHION::STYLES TO EMULATE THIS SPRING/SUMMER (MEN)

HOUSE PARTY::VICTOR GLEMAUD

SAILING::BAND OF OUTSIDERS

BAR CRAWLING::RAG & BONE

CONCERT::JUNYA WATANABE

DINNER PARTY::ALESSANDRO DELL'AQUA

FASHION::STYLES TO EMULATE THIS SPRING/SUMMER (WOMEN)

Don't worry, guys. Looks are coming your way.


A DAY IN CENTRAL PARK OUTFIT::ERIN FETHERSTON

ROOFTOP PARTY::HUSSEIN CHALAYAN

CONCERT::ALEXANDER WANG

DINNER PARTY - PREFERABLY ON A BOAT::BALENCIAGA

HOUSE PARTY DRESS TO OUTSHINE HOSTESS::ZAC POSEN

BEAUTY::OVERDOSING ON BORBA FOR BETTER SKIN

Some are born blessed with luminous, never-seen-a-pimple-before skin. For the rest of us, we stick to a heavy-duty regimen of drenching our face and bodies with a pharmaceutical cocktail of skin-saving products each day and night, even when we're too intoxicated after a night of partying to make it to our beds, let alone stick with a beauty routine. But to make it easier and relinquish some of that dreaded beauty duty, you can chug on BORBA's Nutraceutical products throughout the day. With age defying, firming, and clarifying drinks, you can finally achieve better skin with just a simple sip.

SHOP::BORBA

MV::JOHAN RENCK DIRECTS BAT FOR LASHES "DANIEL"

Natasha Khan of Bat for Lashes, channels her inner-Karate Kid in this new video for the track "Daniel", directed by Johan Renck. The video was all shot in Sweden, the directors native country, and features spooky dancers in full-on body leotards, who toss Kahn around while she sings soulfully into the camera.

VIEW::BAT FOR LASHES "DANIEL"

FASHION/OBSERVE::CHANEL IMAN ON COVER OF i-D MAY ISSUE

Looking gloriously glittery, model Chanel Iman, fronts the cover of the May issue of i-D with a full spread with the model wearing designer Chanel duds. How appropriate.

OFFICIAL SITE::i-D

MUSIC/READ::INTERVIEW WITH KARIN DREIJER OF FEVER RAY

She's undoubtedly talented and enigmatic. Her throaty and deep vocals can sound eerie and enthralling all at once, and in this interview with Marc Hogan (at Pitchfork), Dreijer exposes her less exposed side and confesses that she's not as mysterious as people make her out to be.

READ::FEVER RAY

MUSIC::THERE'S STILL TIME FOR SASQUATCH MUSIC FESTIVAL MAY 23RD-25TH 2009

Coachella has some fierce competition when it comes to music festivals. Sasquatch Festival is the equally anticipated music event back dropped by The Gorge scenery in Quincy, Washington, where dozens upon dozens of bands will gather to play for a crowd of thousands. While tickets are still available, they're rising in price as the date draws near. Current prices start at $66.50 per day but will increase to $76.50 per day, two weeks prior to show.



The hefty lineup includes::Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs (pictured above), Animal Collective, Dan Deacon, Bon Iver, Passion Pit, Fleet Foxes, Dent May and His Magnificent Ukulele, and so much more.

**PLATFORM WILL BE REPORTING LIVE FROM THE FESTIVAL - ACTUALLY CAMPING ON CONCERT SITE!

MORE INFO::SASQUATCH MUSIC FESTIVAL